his subject

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "his subject" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a topic or area of study that someone is focusing on or discussing. Example: "In his thesis, he explored his subject in great depth, analyzing various perspectives and theories."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

His subject?

The New York Times - Arts

"His subject was Vietnam.

The New Yorker

It wasn't his subject matter.

Independent

That's his subject.

The Guardian - Books

Mr Hainsworth begins by defining his subject.

The Economist

He thus treats his subject with respect.

The New York Times - Books

He admires his subject, though not uncritically.

The Economist

Stiles captures his subject with verve.

The New Yorker

"His passion for his subject was immense".

The New York Times - Science

His subject will be "Walpole the Man".

The New Yorker

And about leaving his subject behind.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about a person's work or study, use "his subject" to clearly indicate the main topic they are dealing with. For example, "His subject was the impact of climate change on coastal communities".

Common error

Avoid using "his subject" when referring to a person in a photograph or painting; instead, use "his model" or "his muse" to denote the person who served as the artist's inspiration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "his subject" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "his" is a possessive adjective modifying the noun "subject". This phrase typically identifies the topic or area of interest or study belonging to a male individual. Ludwig confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Books

20%

Arts

11%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Wiki

1%

Science

25%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "his subject" is a versatile noun phrase used to denote a male individual's main topic, area of study, or focus of concern. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's grammatical correctness and wide applicability across diverse contexts, primarily within news, books, and arts. While generally neutral in register, it maintains a professional tone suitable for academic and journalistic writing. Related phrases include "the topic he addresses" and "his field of study", offering alternative ways to express a similar concept. When using "his subject", ensure the context is appropriate and consider the specific nuances you wish to convey. Avoid misusing the phrase when referring to a model or muse; use "his model" instead.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the topic he addresses

This focuses on the active discussion or presentation of the subject by the person in question.

his chief concern

This stresses that the subject is the most important or pressing matter for the person.

the matter at hand for him

This phrase emphasizes the immediate relevance and focus of the subject to the individual.

the focus of his work

This refers to the central point or main task that the person's efforts are directed towards.

his field of study

This alternative highlights the area of academic or professional focus of the person.

the theme he explores

This focuses on the subject as a recurring element or idea that someone investigates or develops.

the issue he tackles

This highlights the subject as a problem or challenge that the person is actively trying to resolve.

his area of expertise

This suggests that the subject is one in which the person has significant knowledge and skill.

his preoccupation

This alternative emphasizes that the subject is a dominant or absorbing concern for the person.

what he is known for

This focuses on how the person is publicly recognized or identified in relation to the subject.

FAQs

How can I use "his subject" in a sentence?

You can use "his subject" to refer to the main topic or focus of someone's work, study, or discussion. For example, "His subject was the economic impact of globalization".

What's the difference between "his subject" and "his topic"?

"His subject" and "his topic" are often interchangeable, but "his subject" can sometimes imply a more in-depth or academic focus than "his topic". You can use alternatives like "his topic" or "the matter at hand" depending on the context.

What can I say instead of "his subject"?

You can use alternatives like "his area of expertise", "his field of study", or "the theme he explores", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "his subject matter" instead of "his subject"?

Yes, "his subject matter" is a valid alternative to "his subject". It emphasizes the content or material being discussed or studied. Another alternative includes "his chief concern" depending on the context.